5 Things to Keep Others Safe in a Heat Wave

Heat can be deadly. You need to be responsible for keeping yourself and your family safe, but you also want to reach out to those around you. Here are 5 things you can do to protect others in a heat wave.

1. Know Who Is Vulnerable.

Be aware of your neighbors. Is someone elderly? Is someone taking care of a loved one with dementia? Is there a dog who is left outside every day? What about children? Does someone have a chronic disease or a mental health problem? All of the above are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses. Identify those around you who might most need your help.

2. Know The Warning Signs.

Heat exhaustion may be marked by heavy sweating, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, pale skin, nausea or headaches. Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim’s temperature control system has quit working. It may have some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion but there are differences. The skin is likely to be red, hot and dry. The victim is not sweating. Confusion, disorientation and even seizures or unconsciousness may occur. The victim needs to have immediate medical care.

3. Check On Neighbors.

If you have identified vulnerable people in your neighborhood, check on them. Make sure they have a way to get cool. If their homes are not adequately cooled, take them to a movie or a mall. Invite them into your air-conditioned home. If you think they need more care than just a visit to an air-conditioned area, check and see if your community offers cooling centers and care for those who are in jeopardy. If you sense danger to their health, call for help.

4. Have A Buddy.

If your work takes you out in the heat, make sure your company institutes a buddy system. Have a buddy and check with each other often to make sure that there are no signs of heat distress. If you see a problem, get your buddy somewhere to cool off. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911.

5. Watch Out For Others.

Be alert – look for dangerous situations. If you see a child or animal left in a closed car – it’s a death sentence in the heat. Get immediate help. Also, look for animals who may not have shade or water and are locked outdoors. If intervention is needed, call your local animal control office or humane society.

Your first step to protecting other is to protect yourself and your family. If you live in an area where air conditioning is necessary for comfort and essential for safety, make sure that you have your air conditioning unit inspected and serviced before the weather gets hot. Call a registered Air Conditioning Repair Phoenix company so you know you’re ready for the hottest day. Then, be aware of those around you – reach out to make sure they are comfortable and safe. Summertime can be good neighbor time!

A graduate in Marketing and Sociology, Chad is a writer at heart. Writing allows him to utilize his skills honed by years of experience. Read more of what he writes to find out what he thinks about this beautiful world we are in.